You have the opportunity to help a local business thrive in downtown Marion this year by casting your vote for the best.
The Grant County Economic Growth Council is hosting Community Pitch Night, a shark-tank style business competition in which applicants compete for an all-inclusive “Business Start-Up Prize Package”—which includes a 1-year free lease in downtown Marion’s Ridley Tower.
Twenty-two businesses applied; ten finalists were selected to submit their business plans and financial statements and four finalists have been chosen to pitch their idea to the public on Oct. 5:
1) Obi’s Barbeque – “a place to enjoy an excellent meal and drink local and regional
craft beer or wine” by Jeff and Michelle Richardson
2) Elevate Fitness Solutions – “exists to provide quality health care and wellness
interventions to clients of all physical activity levels” by Andrew Doyle
3) Echo – “a gallery for the city by the city” by Tashema Davis
4) Sweet Visions – “a premium chocolate, artisan convection, and candy shoppe” by
Millard Holley
Community Pitch Night will take place in the historic Ridley Tower, formerly the Marion National Bank building. This is the only event to be hosted in Ridley Tower during its renovation period over the next year; thus, Community Pitch Night is your prime opportunity to witness this impressive building as it undergoes revitalization.
All individuals that attend Community Pitch Night will meet the top four contestants, hear the pitches, and cast their vote on which business they would like to see in downtown Marion. Tickets to Community Pitch Night cost $5 and can be found online at: www.grantcounty.com/business/pitchnight.
After the competition, there will be a free after-party (no tickets necessary) along Washington Street. Local food trucks will line the streets and Chapman’s Brewery will provide craft beer. Kids will enjoy hand-crafted balloons by Aaron Messer and Legos and puzzles from the Jigsaw Junction! Local bands Incas, Herbwurm, and We Love You will provide live entertainment for the evening.
Here’s what the schedule looks like:
3:00 pm – Meet & Greet with Pitch Night Finalists
4:00pm – Pitch Night Presentation
6:00 pm – After Party: Food Trucks, Beer Garden, & Family Fun featuring: Chapman’s Brewery, Obi’s Barbeque, Eis Wagon, Abbey Coffee, Los Amores, Sabores De Venezuela
7:00 pm – After Party: Concert Series featuring Herbwurm, Incas, and We Love You.
